One of the most common causes of dizziness is a problem in the motion sensor of the inner ears called the vestibular apparatus. Our perception of head position/movement is crucial in our ability to function normally so when this information is altered, it can be very disturbing, disabling and anxiety-provoking. Anxiety can further heighten dizziness, so it can become a vicious circle.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal emotional and physiological response of our brain and body and an important part of our lives. Our body has Sympathetic (SNS) and Parasympathetic (PNS) nervous systems, which together form our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which controls the automatic functions of our body, such as breathing, blood pressure and sweating.
The sympathetic system stimulates a state of physiological and emotional readiness, called our ‘fight or flight’ response. Our parasympathetic system promotes a state of relaxation, known as ‘rest and digest.’ Anxiety is the function of activation of our sympathetic system; our heart beats faster, we sweat more, and our respiration rate increases.
Anxiety in today’s world
Some degree of anxiety is normal and often drives us to take certain actions in our daily life. To maintain anxiety levels at a healthy level, we require a balance between our SNS and PNS. If individuals were to find themselves in a state of ‘fight or flight’ for prolonged periods, there could be a number of negative effects, such as the development of health problems like heart disease, fatigue and depression.
Given the nature of today’s world, many people may be finding themselves in a state of ‘sympathetic overdrive’ where we are in a state of ‘fight or flight’ for days, weeks or even years.
Anxiety and performance
If you look at your own life, you can probably think of circumstances when anxiety decreases your ability to do things. For example, most people don’t like public speaking.
There’s performance anxiety for musicians and ‘choking’ in sport. If you watch a diver on the high board, a basketball player on the free-throw line, or a baseball pitcher when the bases are loaded, you’ll see them take a deep breath, and shake their arms a little, to loosen the tension and decrease their anxiety.
Anxiety and dizziness recovery
In the same way that anxiety can inhibit performance in sport, anxiety can inhibit recovery from vestibular disorders such as the conditions that can occur from an inner ear infection or trauma. If a person is off balance, or sensitive to motion, the brain needs to experience that movement to recover.
If every time you stand up you are holding onto furniture for support then the brain doesn’t learn to balance without holding on.
If you avoid looking up or down because it makes you feel dizzy then the brain will never accommodate to this movement. Sometimes the psychological impact of a vestibular disorder becomes even more problematic and persist longer than the initial problem, as in the case of Persistent Postural Perceptual Vertigo.
What should you do?
Firstly, it is important to see a vestibular therapist to see whether there is any underlying pathology that needs to be resolved. Having a clear understanding of what is going on allows you to get the appropriate treatment, and can decrease anxiety in itself.
Secondly, bring your anxiety under control by performing breathing exercises, meditation, reaching out for support amongst family and friends, or lightening your work schedule. Medication may also be helpful; talk to your doctor or therapist about this.
Thirdly, as you work on balance, or movements that make you feel dizzy, keep your breathing relaxed, take breaks, and rather than going for a ‘no pain no gain’ philosophy of recovery, nudge gently on the limits of your tolerances. Most importantly, have patience with yourself. The specially trained vestibular therapists at Lifemark can provide a thorough assessment and help you set up a tailor-made program for recovery.
Remember, anxiety can be a barrier to recovery from a dizziness or balance disorder, but it doesn’t stop recovery. With the right guidance, it can be managed, and you can get your life back on track.
At Lifemark, we have vestibular-trained therapists from coast to coast who can help you. Visit our vestibular services page for more information.
We can help you move and feel better.
Book an appointment today.